11 days in Finland Itinerary

Kotka is a city and municipality of Finland.Kotka is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland at the mouth of Kymi River and it is part of the Kymenlaakso region in southern Finland. Get some cultural insight at Linden Esplanade and Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum. Your inner history buff will appreciate Pyhtaa Church of Saint Henry and Hamina Fortress. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kotka: Stromforsin Ruukki (in Ruotsinpyhtaa), Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area (in Kouvola) and Hiidenvuori (in Iitti). The adventure continues: identify plant and animal life at Arboretum Mustila, admire the striking features of Saint Peter and Saint Paul Cathedral, enjoy the sand and surf at Beach Mansikkalahti, and stroll around Riverside Park.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Kotka trip itinerary planning website.

Lisbon, Portugal to Kotka is an approximately 9.5-hour combination of flight and car. You can also drive. You'll lose 2 hours traveling from Lisbon to Kotka due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Lisbon in April, expect Kotka to be colder, temps between 8°C and -1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) early enough to travel to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. Start off your visit on the 19th (Fri): identify plant and animal life at Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site. Here are some ideas for day two: examine the collection at Terranova, then sample the tasty concoctions at Bock’s Corner Brewery, and then sample the fine beverages at Kyr0 Distillery Company.

To see maps, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Vaasa trip planning app.

You can do a combination of train and flight from Kotka to Vaasa in 5.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. In April, daytime highs in Vaasa are 7°C, while nighttime lows are -1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Akaslompolo.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Sun): see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour and then head outdoors with Seven Fells Up.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Akaslompolo trip itinerary maker site.

Traveling by flight from Vaasa to Akaslompolo takes 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Vaasa in April, plan for slightly colder days and about the same nights in Akaslompolo: temperatures range from 3°C by day to -4°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sun) to allow time to drive to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Mon): wander the wide-open spaces of Reindeer Farm Petri Mattus, examine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church.

To see traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Inari road trip tool.

Drive from Akaslompolo to Inari in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. In April, daily temperatures in Inari can reach 3°C, while at night they dip to -6°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Mon) so you can travel to Helsinki.

Finland's largest and most populated metropolis, the maritime town of Helsinki boasts varied architecture, a lively cafe culture, and plethora of picturesque natural delights.

Get a sense of the local culture at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Temppeliaukio Church. Get some historical perspective at Helsinki Cathedral and Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali). Change things up with a short trip to Nuuksio National Park in Espoo (about 48 minutes away). There's still lots to do: appreciate the extensive heritage of The Esplanadi Park, visit Katajanokka, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamppi Chapel of Silence, and take a stroll through Ullanlinna.

For ratings, maps, and tourist information, go to the Helsinki trip planner.

You can fly from Inari to Helsinki in 4.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Inari in April: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 9°C and lows are around 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.